Darts sensation Luke Littler has been turned down in his bid to feature in this year’s Sidemen Charity Match, with KSI confirming the 19-year-old will not be taking part, reports BritPanorama.
KSI addressed Littler’s request during an appearance on Capital FM, stating, “I have not responded, and he’s not in.” This firm rejection dashed the teenage prodigy’s hopes of playing at Wembley.
The annual charity match, which unites YouTubers and online personalities, adheres to a strict policy that excludes any celebrities from participating, regardless of their fame or popularity. KSI emphasized that this rule applies universally, denying entry to even well-known figures outside the realm of content creation.
Littler had expressed his desire to join the match early in February, publicly lobbying through social media after a Sidemen Instagram post announced that tickets had sold out within hours to their 6.2 million followers. “Get me in the team Sidemen,” he wrote, tagging the group directly.
While his request excited fans eager to see the darting phenomenon switch sports, KSI was clear that the policy is not personal. He stated, “It sounds so bad, but we only have content creators on the Sidemen Charity Match,” distinguishing it from events like Soccer Aid, which feature celebrity participation.
KSI drew a notable line by insisting that even high-profile individuals like Justin Bieber would be turned away under their strict regulations. The 2026 Sidemen Charity Match is set for Saturday, April 18, at 3pm, continuing the tradition of hosting the game at Wembley Stadium, a venue synonymous with major sporting events.
Fans who cannot attend the sold-out match will have the opportunity to watch the action live via the Sidemen’s YouTube channel. The match will again see the Sidemen face off against the YouTube Allstars, continuing a series that previously delighted viewers with an 18-goal thriller featuring stars like IShowSpeed, Logan Paul, and Mr Beast.
As excitement builds, the focus on exclusive participation reflects a growing trend within online charity events, where content creators are sought to bring a unique dynamic to the occasion, setting it apart from traditional celebrity formats. The contrasting worlds of online entertainment and traditional sports continue to collide in intriguing ways, as this event demonstrates, showcasing a vibrant shift in how public figures engage with their audience.
